For those who regularly check my page I apologise once again for my absence. But you know the score by now.
I haven't been idle as I've been consumed with another important project. And this is my birthday week, so thought it appropriate to update you. Not that I'm looking for birthday messages, presents or offers to take me out.
For ages I’ve been talking about writing a book about my life. It all started when friends suggested I should write about my times working in the music industry back in the 1960’s with bands like the Small Faces and also explain what it was like having Don Arden, Sharon Osbourne’s father, as my boss. Then I thought there are lots of other diverse activities that I've been involved in over the years.
In May 1991, following a neighbour noise problem that forced me to move house, I launched a national campaign called The Right to Peace and Quiet. The comedian Spike Milligan, who'd had a number of noise problems himself, became our Patron. With his involvement the campaign attracted widespread interest, especially in the media and parliament. In 1997 I was awarded an MBE for that work.
In more recent times I discovered that I am related to the writer and poet Thomas Hardy. Which for me as a writer is hugely exciting.
So, as I thought about each of these landmarks in my life, the idea of writing a book sounded appealing. Time to stop thinking about it and time to start writing.
As a working title, I'm calling it 'Whatcha Gonna Do About It' which was the first single of my favourite 60's band, Small Faces As a writer I am often self critical and have moments of doubt. I feel it's part of the creative process. Whatcha gonna do about it eh?
Writing a book about my life is obviously something I've never done before, and I realise this isn't a short term project!
I was talking to Kenney Jones, drummer with Small Faces, The Faces and The Who, following the launch of his autobiography Let The Good Times Roll. He had been working on his book for some years, but said that having someone help with research was so important and he would not have been able to complete the project without that help. Getting dates and times correct is so important and I agree that is taking up a lot more of my time than actually writing.
I now have someone to help with Editing, which has been a huge bonus in getting me focussed. But so far, I'm enjoying the journey.
This week I may have some difficulty as I have a birthday on Wednesday (7th November in-case you're interested). Celebrations already started on Saturday when I went to see the best and my favourite pub band, Bif Bam Pow. They made a rare trip across the Dartford Bridge into Kent from their homeland in Canvey Island, Essex, or the Thames Delta as its known. If you ever get a chance, go check them out. You will be blown away!
I'll try my best to keep you updated on the progress of the book.
I haven't been idle as I've been consumed with another important project. And this is my birthday week, so thought it appropriate to update you. Not that I'm looking for birthday messages, presents or offers to take me out.
For ages I’ve been talking about writing a book about my life. It all started when friends suggested I should write about my times working in the music industry back in the 1960’s with bands like the Small Faces and also explain what it was like having Don Arden, Sharon Osbourne’s father, as my boss. Then I thought there are lots of other diverse activities that I've been involved in over the years.
In May 1991, following a neighbour noise problem that forced me to move house, I launched a national campaign called The Right to Peace and Quiet. The comedian Spike Milligan, who'd had a number of noise problems himself, became our Patron. With his involvement the campaign attracted widespread interest, especially in the media and parliament. In 1997 I was awarded an MBE for that work.
In more recent times I discovered that I am related to the writer and poet Thomas Hardy. Which for me as a writer is hugely exciting.
So, as I thought about each of these landmarks in my life, the idea of writing a book sounded appealing. Time to stop thinking about it and time to start writing.
As a working title, I'm calling it 'Whatcha Gonna Do About It' which was the first single of my favourite 60's band, Small Faces As a writer I am often self critical and have moments of doubt. I feel it's part of the creative process. Whatcha gonna do about it eh?
Writing a book about my life is obviously something I've never done before, and I realise this isn't a short term project!
I was talking to Kenney Jones, drummer with Small Faces, The Faces and The Who, following the launch of his autobiography Let The Good Times Roll. He had been working on his book for some years, but said that having someone help with research was so important and he would not have been able to complete the project without that help. Getting dates and times correct is so important and I agree that is taking up a lot more of my time than actually writing.
I now have someone to help with Editing, which has been a huge bonus in getting me focussed. But so far, I'm enjoying the journey.
This week I may have some difficulty as I have a birthday on Wednesday (7th November in-case you're interested). Celebrations already started on Saturday when I went to see the best and my favourite pub band, Bif Bam Pow. They made a rare trip across the Dartford Bridge into Kent from their homeland in Canvey Island, Essex, or the Thames Delta as its known. If you ever get a chance, go check them out. You will be blown away!
I'll try my best to keep you updated on the progress of the book.
Val, with husband photographer Phil Weedon and Bif Bam Pow at the Westcourt Arms, Gillingham 3rd November 2018
http://www.bifbampow.com/index.html
http://www.bifbampow.com/index.html
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